Player Updates

Gordon Beckham's main goal this spring training is to win the White Sox's starting second baseman position.

But for now, the White Sox are planning to use him at multiple positions in the infield during Cactus League play, according to MLB.com. This is somewhat new for Beckham, as he played second base during his first five-plus Major League seasons with the White Sox.

Though Beckham is looking to earn the starting job at second base, he seems to be enjoying playing multiple spots so far.

"I'm actually kind of enjoying running around," Beckham said. "I like popping around the infield. I know the coaches and the people making the decisions know I can play second base and know I can play it well. There has been an emphasis on them just telling me to get some work in other places."

Beckham actually played shortstop in college at the University of Georgia and played that position, as well as third base, after the White Sox traded him to the Angels. He was brought back to Chicago on a one-year deal.

Beckham hit a single-season worse .226 for both the Angels and White Sox a season ago.

The White Sox wanted Gordon Beckham back, because he could play several positions.

Beckham doesn't want to be a utility man, however. He plans to win back the starting second-base spot.

“Listen, I plan to compete for a starting job, and if that’s not where I’m meant to be then I’ll do whatever I need to do,” Beckham told ESPN Chicago's Doug Padilla. “If I didn’t have that mentality, I wouldn’t be playing baseball.”

Beckham arrived at camp three days early, to get a head start on his effort.

"He’s coming in here to try and win a job and talking to him, that’s what he should be trying to do," manager Robin Ventura said. However, Ventura said he alreadyknows what Beckham can do at second base, so he'll get work at several other spots during the spring.

After playing for the White Sox since 2009, Beckham was dealt to the Angels in late August. He returned to the Sox in the offseason, signing as a free agent.

Beckham spent more than five seasons with the White Sox. He is a career .245 hitter and is expected to play in a utility role. To make room for Beckham, the team designated Dayan Viciedo for assignment.

The Angels are no longer in play for second baseman Gordon Beckham, reports MLB.com on Friday. The team is now set on having Josh Rutledge, Johnny Giavotella, Grant Green and Taylor Featherston compete for second base/utility at-bats moving forward.

Beckham was non-tendered by the Angels on Dec. 2. He managed a slash line of .227/.271/.348 in 2014.

"The possibility exists that we’ll re-sign Gordon, but no promises," Dipoto said. "We’ve built up quite a bit of infield depth. As much as Gordon fits our club and we want to be open to it, the likelihood is that we do have our second baseman in-house."